With Muslims across the world observing the month of Ramadan, finding a delicious meal feels even more important than usual after a day of fasting. Of course home-cooked meals before sunrise and after sunset are an important part of Ramadan but some days our stomachs are crying out for something different.
Perhaps we want to avoid the endlessly tiresome hours of prepping, cooking and cleaning through our fasting period, or maybe we just want to treat ourselves and our loved ones. Either way one way to do so is dining out.
Whether it's your trusted local kebab shop or a Michelin star- establishment, food always brings together families and communities alike, especially during the holiest month of the year.
READ MORE: KFC to open in town near Bristol as plans approved
In Bristol, we are certainly not short of a wide range of eateries that are not only HMC approved, but just too dang delicious.
On TripAdvisor, the review site has ranked its top 37 best halal restaurants in the city, from quick bites to world-cuisine hotspots, that come highly recommended.
Below is a compilation of reviews that had a thing, or two, to say about some of Bristol’s very own, and very best. Whether you plan on enjoying your Iftar meal at one of the restaurants below or enjoying a lovely meal out when Ramadan is over, you cannot go wrong.
Matina
Speaking of quick bites, this Middle Eastern gem on St. Nicholas Market has been comfortably sat in the first place spot for the best quick bite in the entire city, according to TripAdvisor.
One user certainly agreed with Matina’s rating, whose acclaim has garnered it a whopping 291 five-star reviews, by bluntly writing, “If you know, then you know! and if you don't, get yourself down to Matina and thank me later!!!”
They added: “Hungry for great wraps and good prices, the queue at lunch tells you all you need to know. Hands down they're the best wraps around!!! Its making me hungry for one just writing this review”
Curry House
This Brislington based Indian restaurant and takeaway offers a wide variety of taste palettes, that are not for those who eat halal, but also prefer veggie or vegan options.
One user described their ‘unplanned visit’ to Curry House during Ramadan and described their ‘friendly’ experience with the team, despite many of the staff who were observing their fast during work hours.
They wrote: “Visited the Curry House with my girlfriend for an unplanned visit and meal.
“First visit in many years and very little has changed. The restaurant has a fresh feel and as always, a friendly welcome from the team.
“I have known the family owners for many years (35 probably). Nothing too much trouble, attentive staff, food freshly prepared and cooked, wonderful flavours.
“Despite being Ramadan and the staff patiently waiting to break their fast, did not feel hurried- in fact, Rob came and joined us for a good old catch up and chat after our meal, Hassan stopping to catch up and chat between deliveries.
Still a little gem.
“Will definitely be back but won't wait so long. Thank you Team Curry House!!!!”
Beirut Mezze Lebanese Restaurant
This Lebanese restaurant, located in the heart of the city centre, is not only known for its halal options, but for its extensive menu that ranges from its flavoursome mixed platters to the traditional Lebanese fruit cocktail.
One user described Beirut Mezze’s food as ‘fantastic’, as they wrote:
“We really enjoyed the range of meze dishes (we are a mix of vegetarian and meat eaters) and all were catered for really well. The flavours were delicious (you could choose spicy or not for the chicken and lamb koftas which suited my daughter) and the service was lovely - very considerate and prompt with food arriving quickly. I totally recommend this place.”
Everyday Thai
Serving halal, vegan, veggie and gluten free options, Everyday Thai has been hailed as ‘the best Thai restaurant’ in Bristol, according to TripAdvisor.
One Welsh user commented that it’s even ‘worth the drive’ by writing:
“Firstly, nice welcoming staff, but of course we were here for the food. Opting for the two course lunch was really reasonable and everything tasted fresh, like others have said it was THE BEST Thai we have had and trust me, we have been to restaurants charging far far more, none come close. So, looks like we have found our favourite Thai, just need to move to Bristol !”
Shiraz Persian Restaurant
This Iranian restaurant on Hotwell Road is another option for those looking for halal, as well as veggie and vegan options, particularly when seeking an Iftar meal idea this month.
One user called Shiraz having ‘great flavours’ during their visit in Ramadan by writing:
“We arrived early and still in the daylight hours of Ramadan. A Very quiet place.
“The food had great flavours and a good variety of food was offered. Ordering a mixed mezze starter for two we had more food than we could eat! Great bread and a good variety of foods. Vegetarians could eat well here and get good food.
“The main courses we ordered were meat based and the meats had been very well marinated and were succulent and properly cooked. Again the quantity pretty much defeated us.”
M&M Kebab And Pizza
This Turkish fast food restaurant on Filton Avenue could be worth a pop-in even when it’s time to break fast for Iftar during Maghrib time.
For one customer, who resides in the US, also named M&M as ‘Great Kebab and Pizza’, after touring the UK, including Bristol.
They enthusiastically wrote, “WOW! - I am from the US but when to the UK for a visit and was looking around for something good and authentic.
“I started asking around and kind of took a survey and found out that most people were referring me to M&M Kebab.
“I went there to try something different and to my surprise, the food was delicious and the people there were also courteous and friendly. I felt very comfortable there...don't hesitate to try their food, it's amazing!”
Firewood Grill and Gelato
Speaking of fast food, another known halal go-to certainly goes to Firewood Grill and Gelato, whose American cuisine menu consists of all things burgers.
One user emphasised that they ‘would recommend’ by writing:
“I don't know if I caught them on a good day or it was just luck because, after reading a few of the most recent comments I was very hesitant to take the plunge, and I am so glad I did.
“I don't have a car and it was way too cold to be trudging around in town and I was literally only 6 minutes away from it, and conveniently I was really craving American diner food, yes it's a bit pricey but my god!
“The bloody double burger I had wasn't slipping and sliding all over the place ; but instead it was holding still, staying put, keeping it together. And the fries... IT. WAS. JUST. WHAT. I. NEEDED. It did not have the nasty skin on the fries like Five Guys but it was just how I liked it ~ mildly salty and soft on the inside. I tell you to go. go now.”
Sign up for our What's On in Bristol newsletter packed with essential stories to help you make the most of living in the city
